MoD: Essential Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships to be built to support Royal Navy as design phase passed - when

The Fleet Solid Support Ships (FSS) programme has gone past the design stage, with engineers completing the Preliminary Design Review (PDR). More detailed work is due to be completed before construction is scheduled to start in 2025.

The vessels are designed to to deliver crucial munitions, supplies and provisions to Royal Navy ships while at sea. They can also provide logistical and operational support in counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions. RFA ships can be asked to be forward deployed to conflict zones and support the UK Carrier Strike Group. Robin Boulby, FSS Team Leader at the Ministry of Defence’s Defence, Equipment & Support (DE&S) team said the vessels are vital for getting the most out of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth.

A £1.6bn contract was awarded to Team Resolute in 2023 - a consortium consisting of H&W, BMT and Navantia UK. Concerns have been raised about the project given H&W went into administration in September.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see completion of this important milestone on schedule. We would like to acknowledge Navantia UK and BMT’s strong commitment to delivering an innovative and capable design, as well as their collaboration with DE&S. The Fleet Solid Support programme is on track to deliver highly capable ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and we look forward to the continued successful delivery as we work towards production milestones in 2025.”

Each vessel can house a crew of 101 RFA sailors, as well as an additional 80 personnel operating helicopters, boats and performing other roles. Navantia UK is the prime contractor and has been involved in programme facets such as scheduling, procurement and production engineering. FSS Programme Liaison José Luis Viguera said: “Shipbuilding is a complex industry that requires the combination of the expertise of leading companies.

“The achievement of this significant milestone underscore Navantia UK’s excellence in programme management, showcasing our ability to lead and innovate within the industry.” BMT is tasked with implementing new technology into the design phase. This includes energy-saving systems, emission-reducing solutions, and provisions for future fuels. Programme director Catriona Savage said: “The successful completion of the PDR is a testament to the collaborative efforts within the partnership, driving the FSS programme forward.

“This milestone paves the way for delivering advanced and efficient support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, enhancing the Royal Navy’s operational readiness for global missions and contributing to the UK’s industrial and economic growth. Our collaboration and shared commitment to innovation are setting the stage for a new era in UK maritime capabilities.” BMT will now monitor changes that impact the FSS’s functional design, producing case reports to help engineers construct the vessels.

The need for more FSS ships came into the spotlight after RFA Fort Victoria, the UK’s only FSS ship, was unable to join HMS Prince of Wales on Exercise Strike Warrior due to a lack of sailors.